Blackburn celebrates record with $26.3 million campaign

CARLINVILLE—Blackburn College is celebrating a record capital campaign that raised over $26.3 million for the school.

The Creating Opportunity campaign exceeded the goal of $25 million in the most successful fund-raising effort in Blackburn history. The campaign brought in donations and pledges from alumni, staff, faculty, and friends of the college.

“This campaign is a big deal for Blackburn for two reasons,” said Dr. John Comerford, the President of Blackburn. “First, it is a huge vote of confidence from our alumni and friends that they support our increasing efforts to make sure college is affordable and attainable for everyone. Second, it gives us the financial flexibility to better serve our students.”

The funds have been directed to a variety of purposes, including new scholarships for students, additions to the school’s endowment, and investment in Blackburn’s nationally recognized Work Program. Renovations of Lumpkin Learning Commons, the Jaenke Alumni Center, and a new fitness center were also funded.

“Our alumni tell me all the time that they would not be where they are today without the chance at an affordable education that Blackburn provided,” remarked Comerford. “Blackburn also creates an opportunity for non-alumni donors, who are touched to see how far their dollars can go when students also contribute through their own work.

“And, of course, this is cyclical,” concluded Comerford. “Today’s students are being given chances thanks to today’s donors, and will someday become donors for the next generation.”

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